16 answers
Bella
Student
Albany, New York
1
Question
Asked
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Do you have any advice on note-taking in college?
I’m starting college this fall and struggled with note-taking in high school.
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16 answers
David Beaumont
Technical Support
29
Answers
Westerville, Ohio
Updated
David’s Answer
If you're finding note taking a bit challenging, don't worry! Consider getting a compact voice recorder. This way, while you're absorbing the lecture, you can jot down notes in a way that works best for you, all while the lecture is being captured. If you happen to miss any details during your note taking, you can always revisit the recording and fill in any gaps.
Here's to a successful and rewarding college adventure!
Here's to a successful and rewarding college adventure!
Yassine Lchgary
Freelance Teacher
15
Answers
Casablanca, Grand Casablanca, Morocco
Updated
Yassine’s Answer
The best answer to this in my opinion is you need to find your style. Experiment with different note-taking methods like the Cornell method, outline method, or mind maps to see what works best for you.
Macie macie.bentley@burlington.com
Order Operations Specialist
2
Answers
Saratoga Springs, New York
Updated
Macie’s Answer
Hello Bella!
I highly recommend using your laptop or tablet for taking notes, if you have one. From my personal experience, I've noticed that many instructors tend to move through the material at a fast pace, making it challenging to jot everything down neatly. I found that using a laptop for note-taking made it simpler to revisit and rearrange my notes later. This method not only aids when you need to look something up in the future, but it also encourages you to review the material, thereby improving your memory retention.
I advise using the OneNote application from Microsoft for this purpose. It's designed like a digital notebook, enabling you to create separate tabs for different classes. Additionally, you can even make a unique notebook for each class and separate tabs for each subject within. Make sure to use the highlighting features to stress important points. Best of luck with your studies!
I highly recommend using your laptop or tablet for taking notes, if you have one. From my personal experience, I've noticed that many instructors tend to move through the material at a fast pace, making it challenging to jot everything down neatly. I found that using a laptop for note-taking made it simpler to revisit and rearrange my notes later. This method not only aids when you need to look something up in the future, but it also encourages you to review the material, thereby improving your memory retention.
I advise using the OneNote application from Microsoft for this purpose. It's designed like a digital notebook, enabling you to create separate tabs for different classes. Additionally, you can even make a unique notebook for each class and separate tabs for each subject within. Make sure to use the highlighting features to stress important points. Best of luck with your studies!
Ka Ng
Product Manager
29
Answers
New York, New York
Updated
Ka’s Answer
Taking notes during class can sometimes feel overwhelming.
To alleviate this, consider recording the class, but only if the professor gives their consent. This will enable you to jot down notes at a leisurely pace and replay the recording if you miss out on any details.
Next, structure your note paper by drawing a vertical line down the middle. Use one side for jotting down points from the lecture, and the other for adding your personal thoughts, comments, or related points to the lecture content.
Finally, create your own shorthand system. It doesn't have to be a formal stenographer's shorthand, but rather a system that makes sense to you. This will help you note down points quickly and efficiently.
To alleviate this, consider recording the class, but only if the professor gives their consent. This will enable you to jot down notes at a leisurely pace and replay the recording if you miss out on any details.
Next, structure your note paper by drawing a vertical line down the middle. Use one side for jotting down points from the lecture, and the other for adding your personal thoughts, comments, or related points to the lecture content.
Finally, create your own shorthand system. It doesn't have to be a formal stenographer's shorthand, but rather a system that makes sense to you. This will help you note down points quickly and efficiently.
Picard Larisse Dona Agon
Data entry Operator
12
Answers
Abomey Calavi, Atlantique Department
Updated
Picard Larisse Dona’s Answer
The success of note taking largely depends on your strategy towards the course. Frequently, it involves jotting down points that appear significant or those that are not clearly understood.
Megan Cola
Barista/Pet Border
1
Answer
Sugar Land, Texas
Updated
Megan’s Answer
Yes. Be creative with your note taking, do it in colors pencils. You will remember things better in colors than the plain black pen.
Molly Hollingsworth
HR Clerk
80
Answers
Coppell, Texas
Updated
Molly’s Answer
Hello Bella and great question!
For me, I learned better going through college when I hand wrote notes. When writing things in general, your brain memorizes more when you are ably to physically jot down notes, in comparison to typing them up. In some classes, I necessarily did not have enough time to write down every single thing a professor would say. Because of that, I would record my professor and listen along further that day to jot down the notes that I did not receive. Make sure that if you do record your professor, that they provide consent and allow you to record themselves as some individuals do not feel comfortable with that idea. Additionally, I color coded my notes based off of definitions and their key terms.
If you learn better when you see color-coded words and terms, I would definitely recommend utilizing that maneuver as well.
I hope this helped, and good luck in your college endeavors!
Thank you
Molly H.
For me, I learned better going through college when I hand wrote notes. When writing things in general, your brain memorizes more when you are ably to physically jot down notes, in comparison to typing them up. In some classes, I necessarily did not have enough time to write down every single thing a professor would say. Because of that, I would record my professor and listen along further that day to jot down the notes that I did not receive. Make sure that if you do record your professor, that they provide consent and allow you to record themselves as some individuals do not feel comfortable with that idea. Additionally, I color coded my notes based off of definitions and their key terms.
If you learn better when you see color-coded words and terms, I would definitely recommend utilizing that maneuver as well.
I hope this helped, and good luck in your college endeavors!
Thank you
Molly H.
ana leon
customer services
4
Answers
Tampa, Florida
Updated
ana’s Answer
In a world brimming with numerous choices for note-taking and preserving vital information, it might seem daunting to opt for the traditional method of handwriting your notes. Yet, I can vouch for its effectiveness, having used it for years with remarkable results. Handwritten notes have proven to be a powerful tool for retaining the knowledge gained. Indeed, the act of writing by hand can stimulate your brain, paving the way for a deeper understanding.
Han-Bee Ryu
Freelance Marketer
16
Answers
Centerville, Utah
Updated
Han-Bee’s Answer
Hey Bella,
I've always struggled with note-taking because my handwriting isn't the best when I try to write fast. Here are some things that I found helpful.
1. Do a Quick Pre-Class Review: This just means going through the class material before the actual class. It's a great way to grasp the main ideas and figure out how to structure your notes.
2. Try Google Docs for Note-Taking: It's a real game-changer! I'd suggest downloading both the Google Drive and Google Docs apps. This way, you can access your notes from anywhere.
3. Keep Your Notes Organized with Dates, Headings, and Subheadings: Trust me, organization is your best friend when it comes to note-taking. Adding the date and using headings to break down sections makes a huge difference. Plus, it lets you use the outline feature, which is a lifesaver for studying. Here's a simple video that shows you how: https://youtu.be/zphxjzGgkmw
4. Make the Most of the Checklist Feature: This comes in handy when you need to touch base with your professor, meet a tutor, or go over some material again. It's a great way to ensure you're getting the right help for any tricky concepts. Here's a guide on how to use it: https://toggl.com/blog/google-docs-checklists
5. Use Canva for Visuals Like Diagrams: Canva is a free tool that lets you create awesome diagrams and charts. Adding these visuals to your Google Docs notes can really boost your memory. Here's a tutorial on how to use Canva: https://www.canva.com/designschool/tutorials/
6. Combine Online and Handwritten Notes: I've found that reviewing my online notes and then writing them down on paper as if I were explaining them to a friend really helps me remember the info.
I'm sure with a bit of trial and error, you'll find a method that suits you perfectly. You've got this, Bella!
I've always struggled with note-taking because my handwriting isn't the best when I try to write fast. Here are some things that I found helpful.
1. Do a Quick Pre-Class Review: This just means going through the class material before the actual class. It's a great way to grasp the main ideas and figure out how to structure your notes.
2. Try Google Docs for Note-Taking: It's a real game-changer! I'd suggest downloading both the Google Drive and Google Docs apps. This way, you can access your notes from anywhere.
3. Keep Your Notes Organized with Dates, Headings, and Subheadings: Trust me, organization is your best friend when it comes to note-taking. Adding the date and using headings to break down sections makes a huge difference. Plus, it lets you use the outline feature, which is a lifesaver for studying. Here's a simple video that shows you how: https://youtu.be/zphxjzGgkmw
4. Make the Most of the Checklist Feature: This comes in handy when you need to touch base with your professor, meet a tutor, or go over some material again. It's a great way to ensure you're getting the right help for any tricky concepts. Here's a guide on how to use it: https://toggl.com/blog/google-docs-checklists
5. Use Canva for Visuals Like Diagrams: Canva is a free tool that lets you create awesome diagrams and charts. Adding these visuals to your Google Docs notes can really boost your memory. Here's a tutorial on how to use Canva: https://www.canva.com/designschool/tutorials/
6. Combine Online and Handwritten Notes: I've found that reviewing my online notes and then writing them down on paper as if I were explaining them to a friend really helps me remember the info.
I'm sure with a bit of trial and error, you'll find a method that suits you perfectly. You've got this, Bella!
PwC Impact
575
Answers
Orlando, Florida
Updated
PwC’s Answer
Helo Bella,
Great question! From my experience good note taking involves writing down the important bits, but not directly copying everything a professor wrote. Make sure you balance listening with with writing your own notes. You will retain the information much more.
Great question! From my experience good note taking involves writing down the important bits, but not directly copying everything a professor wrote. Make sure you balance listening with with writing your own notes. You will retain the information much more.
Pat Baumbach
Registered. Nurse
3
Answers
New York, New York
Updated
Pat’s Answer
During my time as a nursing instructor, there was a student who wasn't the top of her class but consistently aced her exams. Her secret? She reviewed her daily notes every evening at home, a strategy that led to her success.
Here are some study tips to consider:
- Use bullet points for easy review.
- Highlight the most useful parts of your class notes.
- Keep key points at your fingertips with index cards.
Here are some study tips to consider:
- Use bullet points for easy review.
- Highlight the most useful parts of your class notes.
- Keep key points at your fingertips with index cards.
Suzanne Russell
Home Health Care
7
Answers
Cuthbert, Georgia
Updated
Suzanne’s Answer
When you're jotting down notes, it's super crucial to read everything, regardless of how tiny the detail might seem. You never know, it could pop up on your test! Always make an effort to capture the key points. Listen carefully to your teacher because often, they're giving you hints about what to focus on for your study. Be gentle with yourself and maintain a peaceful mind. You're going to ace it!
Twamsen Danaan
Photojournalist
4
Answers
Nigeria
Updated
Twamsen’s Answer
I found it helpful to doodle and create a map using chats. It helped me make connections where words seemed ambigious.
PwC Impact
575
Answers
Orlando, Florida
Updated
PwC’s Answer
take physical notes for the most important material. reread once a day at least for as son as possible
Doris Hu
Sr. Director of Sales Operations
20
Answers
New York, New York
Updated
Doris’s Answer
Taking effective notes is truly a matter of discovering what best suits your learning style and memory retention.
For me, I didn't always have the most comprehensive notes after class. However, I found my rhythm in the following ways:
1. Being fully present and active during class - I realized that it was challenging for me to jot down detailed notes while also paying attention to the teacher's words. So, I chose to immerse myself fully in the class, scribbling down only brief, essential points.
2. Printing the presentation and adding notes to the slides - This strategy greatly assisted me in recalling the topics discussed during the class.
Feel free to experiment with various techniques and find the one that clicks for you! Remember, the goal is to enhance your learning experience, so choose the method that makes you feel most comfortable and confident.
For me, I didn't always have the most comprehensive notes after class. However, I found my rhythm in the following ways:
1. Being fully present and active during class - I realized that it was challenging for me to jot down detailed notes while also paying attention to the teacher's words. So, I chose to immerse myself fully in the class, scribbling down only brief, essential points.
2. Printing the presentation and adding notes to the slides - This strategy greatly assisted me in recalling the topics discussed during the class.
Feel free to experiment with various techniques and find the one that clicks for you! Remember, the goal is to enhance your learning experience, so choose the method that makes you feel most comfortable and confident.
Jerome Dees Jr.
Sales Professional and Networking Expert
607
Answers
San Francisco, California
Updated
Jerome’s Answer
You can break your notes page into a couple different sections. Write down what you think is important at the top of the page as you go. Highlight things that the professors re-reviews or emphasizes.
At the bottom, I strived to summarize the lecture in just a couple sentences. If questions came to mind along the way, I’d write those down too. Be brave in asking for clarification or asking questions you have. It shows you are engaged.
I also had to sit in front of the class. Less distractions from others and I feel like I got more out of the process.
At the bottom, I strived to summarize the lecture in just a couple sentences. If questions came to mind along the way, I’d write those down too. Be brave in asking for clarification or asking questions you have. It shows you are engaged.
I also had to sit in front of the class. Less distractions from others and I feel like I got more out of the process.